Dual channel design for free standing specimen bag

ABSTRACT

A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly includes a tissue specimen bag having an open proximal end including a cuff defined therein and extending around a periphery thereof, a closed distal end and a bag brim disposed within the cuff. The bag brim includes a cross section configured to facilitate furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself around the bag brim to approximate a tissue specimen contained within the bag for morcellation. The tissue specimen bag also includes a suture channel defined therein near the proximal end thereof. The suture channel is defined around the periphery of the tissue specimen bag and is configured to house a suture therein. Pulling the suture away from the tissue specimen bag cinches the tissue specimen bag to secure the tissue specimen therein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to tissue specimen retrieval from aninternal body cavity and, more particularly, to specimen retrieval orspecimen containment bags that facilitate retrieval of a tissue specimenfrom an internal body cavity.

Background of Related Art

In minimally-invasive surgical procedures, operations are carried outwithin an internal body cavity through small entrance openings in thebody. The entrance openings may be natural passageways of the body ormay be surgically created, for example, by making a small incision intowhich an access device is inserted.

Minimally-invasive surgical procedures may be used for partial or totalretrieval of a tissue specimen from an internal body cavity. However,the restricted access provided by minimally-invasive openings (naturalpassageways and/or surgically created openings) presents challenges withrespect to maneuverability and visualization. The restricted access alsopresents challenges when the tissue specimen is required to be removed.As such, a tissue specimen that is deemed too large for intact retrievalmay be broken down into a plurality of smaller pieces to facilitateretrieval from the internal body cavity.

During such minimally-invasive surgical procedures, it is common that acyst, tumor, or other affected tissue specimen is required to beremoved. In these and other procedures where cancerous tissue isrequired to be removed, retrieval of the tissue specimen in an enclosedenvironment such as a specimen retrieval bag or containment bag ishighly desirable to inhibit seeding of cancer cells. Thus, with respectto breaking down large tissue specimens for retrieval throughminimally-invasive openings, there is the added challenge of doing sowithin an enclosed environment.

In these instances, a standalone tissue bag may be utilized to containlarge tissue specimens such as a uterus for hysterectomies or fibroidsfor myomectomies. The specimen retrieval bag or containment bagtypically includes a bag brim having a flexible wire support that istransitionable between a first collapsed configuration for insertionthrough an incision or natural body orifice and a second expandedconfiguration for encapsulating tissue specimens. The bag brim, onceexternalized, may be manipulated or rolled to enhance surgical access tothe tissue specimen or “tent” the specimen as needed.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that isdescribed which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refersto the portion that is being described which is closer to a user. Theterms “substantially” and “approximately,” as utilized herein, accountfor industry-accepted material, manufacturing, measurement, use, and/orenvironmental tolerances. Further, any or all of the aspects andfeatures described herein, to the extent consistent, may be used inconjunction with any or all of the other aspects and features describedherein.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a tissuespecimen retrieval bag assembly which includes a tissue specimen baghaving an open proximal end including a cuff defined therein andextending around a periphery thereof, a closed distal end and a bag brimdisposed within the cuff. The bag brim includes a cross sectionconfigured to facilitate furling the tissue specimen bag onto itselfaround the bag brim to approximate a tissue specimen contained withinthe bag for morcellation. The tissue specimen bag also includes a suturechannel defined therein near the proximal end thereof. The suturechannel is defined around the periphery of the tissue specimen bag andis configured to house a suture therein. Pulling the suture away fromthe tissue specimen bag cinches the tissue specimen bag to secure thetissue specimen therein.

In aspects according to the present disclosure, the tissue specimen bagis made from at least one of nylon or polyurethane.

In other aspects according to the present disclosure, the tissuespecimen bag further includes a cinch tab operably engaged with at leastone end of the suture to facilitate cinching the tissue specimen bag. Inyet other aspects according to the present disclosure, the cinch tabincludes a grommet defined therein configured to operably engage thesuture. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure, thecinch tab includes a loop defined therein configured to facilitatehandling thereof. In yet other aspects according to the presentdisclosure, the loop is configured and sized to accommodate a user'sfinger to enhance leverage when cinching.

In aspects according to the present disclosure, the cinch tab isconfigured to slide atop the suture to lock the tissue specimen bag whencinched.

In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure is atissue specimen retrieval bag assembly which includes a tissue specimenbag having an open proximal end having a cuff defined therein andextending around a periphery thereof, a closed distal end, a bag brimdisposed within the cuff. The tissue specimen bag also includes a suturechannel defined therein near the proximal end thereof. The suturechannel is defined around the periphery of the tissue specimen bag andis configured to house a suture therein. Pulling the suture away fromthe tissue specimen bag cinches the tissue specimen bag to secure thetissue specimen therein.

In aspects according to the present disclosure, the tissue specimen bagis made from at least one of nylon or polyurethane.

In other aspects according to the present disclosure, the tissuespecimen bag further includes a cinch tab operably engaged with at leastone end of the suture to facilitate cinching the tissue specimen bag. Inyet other aspects according to the present disclosure, the cinch tabincludes a grommet defined therein configured to operably engage thesuture. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure, thecinch tab includes a loop defined therein configured to facilitatehandling thereof. In yet other aspects according to the presentdisclosure, the loop is configured and sized to accommodate a user'sfinger to enhance leverage when cinching.

In aspects according to the present disclosure, the cinch tab isconfigured to slide atop the suture to lock the tissue specimen bag whencinched.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent in view of the following detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein likereference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a tissue specimen bag provided inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective cross sectional view of a proximal end of thetissue specimen bag of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tissue specimen retrieval bag havinga rollable bag brim according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C are various views of the tissue specimen retrieval bag ofFIG. 1 for use with a tissue specimen “T”;

FIG. 4A-4C is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tissuespecimen retrieval bag according an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective, cross sectional view of the tissuespecimen retrieval bag of FIGS. 4A-4C; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a cinch tab for use with thetissue specimen retrieval bag of FIGS. 4A-4C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning initially to FIGS. 1A-1B, one embodiment of a standalone tissuespecimen retrieval bag or tissue containment bag assembly is shown andis represent by reference numeral 10. Bag assembly 10 includes a bag 12having a proximal end 14 including an opening 20 defined therein and anenclosed distal end 16. Bag assembly 10 includes bag rim 30 that isconfigured to support bag 12 in such a fashion as to define opening 20when the bag 12 is unfurled or in an open configuration. Opening 20 isof sufficient dimension to receive one or more tissue specimens “T”during a particular surgical procedure. Bag assembly 10 may be made fromnylon and/or polyurethane.

Bag rim 30 is configured to be flexible such that the bag brim 30 iseasily transitionable between a first, collapsed configuration whereinthe bag 12 is furled (as explained below) and a second, expandedconfiguration which allows the bag 12 to be unfurled for receipt of atissue specimen “T”. As such, bag brim 30 may be made from any flexiblematerial that is easily expandable from a collapsed configuration. Bag12 may include any suitable rollable material such as nylon,polyurethane, etc.

Bag brim 30 is configured to seat within an elongated cuff 18 (FIG. 1B)defined in the proximal end of the bag 12. More particularly, bag brim30 is of sufficient dimension to fit within the cuff 18 along an entirelength thereof. Bag brim 30 may include two mating ends that, whenengaged, form a generally circular configuration when opened to supportbag 12 thereon. Bag brim 30 may be generally triangular in shape toinclude three sides 32 a, 32 b and 32 c. Other geometric configurationsor multi-sided arrangements are also envisioned and may be tailored fora particular purpose.

The generally triangular shape of the bag brim 30 allows the bag 12 toroll or furl around itself which, in turn, allows a surgeon to tent(i.e., position) the tissue specimen “T” closer to the proximal end ofthe operating cavity as needed for dissection. More particularly, thegeometry of the sides 32 a, 32 b and 32 c of the bag brim 30 facilitatefurling/unfurling the bag 12 as needed and securing the bag 12 in adesired furled position. Although generally illustrated in the variousembodiments described herein as being rolled or furled inwardly, it iscontemplated that the bag 12 may be rolled either inwardly or outwardlyabout the bag brim 30.

In use, the specimen “T” is placed into the specimen bag 12 throughopening 20. The weight of the specimen “T” causes the specimen “T” tofall to toward the distal end 16 of the bag 12. The proximal end 14 ofthe bag 12 and the circularly-shaped bag brim 30 maintain the proximalend 14 the bag 12 outside the operating cavity (See for example, FIG.2). If the surgeon desires to bring the specimen “T” closer to theproximal end 14 of the bag 12, the surgeon furls the bag 12 around thebag brim 30 in the direction “R”. The triangular shape of the bag brim30 facilitates furling the bag 12 and the brim 30 over on itself which,in turn, allows the surgeon to position the tissue specimen “T” at adesired depth within the surgical cavity depending upon a particularpurpose. The sides 32 a, 32 b and 32 c of the bag brim 30 may include ahigh friction surface to facilitate gripping the bag 12 when furling.

FIG. 2 shows the tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly 10 in usecontaining and supporting tissue specimens “T” within a surgical cavity.More particularly, bag assembly 10 includes a bag brim 30 having a bag12 that depends therefrom for containing a tissue specimen “T”. Bag brim30 is disposed within a cuff (not shown) defined in a proximal end 14 ofthe bag 12. Bag brim 30 allows the bag 12 to roll or furl around itselfwhich, in turn, allows a surgeon to tent (i.e., position) the tissuespecimen “T” closer to the proximal end of the operating cavity asneeded for dissection.

More particularly, and as best shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the geometry of thesides of the bag brim 30 facilitate furling/unfurling the bag 12 asneeded and securing the bag 12 in a desired furled position. As shown inFIG. 3A, the specimen “T” is place into the specimen bag 12 throughopening 20. The weight of the specimen “T” causes the specimen “T” tofall to toward the distal end 16 of the bag 12. The proximal end 14 ofthe bag 12 and the circularly-shaped bag brim 30 maintain the proximalend 14 the bag 12 outside the operating cavity (See FIG. 3C). If thesurgeon desires to bring the specimen “T” closer to the proximal end 14of the bag 12, e.g., for morcellation purposes, the surgeon furls thebag 12 around the bag brim 30 in the direction “R”. The shape of the bagbrim 30 facilitates furling the bag 12 and the brim 30 over on itselfwhich, in turn, allows the surgeon to position the tissue specimen “T”at a desired depth “L” within the surgical cavity depending upon aparticular purpose (See FIG. 3B).

FIGS. 4A-6 show another embodiment of tissue specimen retrieval bagassembly 100 for containing and supporting tissue specimens “T” within asurgical cavity. More particularly, bag assembly 100 includes a bag brim130 having a bag 112 that depends therefrom for containing a tissuespecimen “T”. Bag brim 130 is disposed within a cuff 118 defined in aproximal end 114 of the bag 112. Bag brim 130 allows the bag 112 to rollor furl around itself which, in turn, allows a surgeon to tent (i.e.,position) the tissue specimen “T” closer to the proximal end of theoperating cavity as needed, e.g., for inspection, morcellation,dissection, etc.

Bag assembly 100 also includes a suture channel 117 defined therein nearthe proximal end 114 thereof (FIG. 5). Suture channel 117 is definedwithin the bag 112 around the periphery thereof. Suture channel 117 isconfigured to house a suture 128 therein such that, after encapsulationof the tissue specimen “T”, the suture 128 may be pulled to cinch thebag 112 to contain the specimen “T” for extraction and transport. Acinch tab 135 is utilized to facilitate pulling the suture 128 to cinchthe bag 112 (FIG. 6). Cinch tab 135 includes a grommet 137 to reinforcethe engagement between the suture 128 and the cinch tab 135.

In use and as best shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a tissue specimen “T” iscaptured and placed within the bag 112 through opening 120 (FIG. 4A).Additional tissue (not shown) may be added to the bag 112 if needed.Once all of the desired tissue is properly contained within the bag 112,the cinch tab 135 is pulled away from the bag 112 to cinch the proximalend 114 of the bag 112 (FIG. 4B). Continued pulling of the cinch tab 135away from the bag 112 closes the opening 120 and readies the bag 112 forexteriorization.

After the opening 120 is completely closed, the cinch tab 135 may beslid atop the suture 128 and moved toward the bag 112 to lock the cinchtab 135 against the bag 112 to prevent the bag 112 from re-opening. Thegrommet 137 may be coated with a high friction material to facilitatethis purpose. Alternatively, the cinch tab 135 may include a lockingslit (not shown) defined therein such that, once fully seated againstthe bag 112, the suture 128 can be engaged within the slit to lock thecinch tab 135 in place atop the suture 128. The cinch tab 135 mayinclude a loop 138 defined therein configured to facilitate handlingthereof. The loop 138 may be configured and sized to fit a user's fingerto enhance a user's grip and provide additional leverage for cinching.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various drawings, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can bemade to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of thesame. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly,comprising: a tissue specimen bag including: an open proximal end havinga cuff defined therein and extending around a periphery thereof; aclosed distal end; a bag brim disposed within the cuff, the bag brimhaving a cross section configured to facilitate furling the tissuespecimen bag onto itself around the bag brim by rotating the bag brim toapproximate a tissue specimen contained within the bag for morcellation,wherein the bag brim defines a non-circular cross-sectional shape; and asuture channel defined therein near the proximal end thereof, the suturechannel defined around the periphery of the tissue specimen bag andconfigured to house a suture therein, wherein pulling the suture awayfrom the tissue specimen bag cinches the tissue specimen bag to securethe tissue specimen therein.
 2. The tissue specimen retrieval bagassembly according to claim 1 wherein the tissue specimen bag is madefrom at least one of nylon or polyurethane.
 3. The tissue specimenretrieval bag assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a cinchtab operably engaged with at least one end of the suture to facilitatecinching the tissue specimen bag.
 4. The tissue specimen retrieval bagassembly according to claim 3 wherein the cinch tab includes a grommetdefined therein configured to operably engage the suture.
 5. The tissuespecimen retrieval bag assembly according to claim 3 wherein the cinchtab includes a loop defined therein configured to facilitate handlingthereof.
 6. The tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly according toclaim 5 wherein the loop is configured and sized to accommodate a user'sfinger to enhance leverage when cinching.
 7. The tissue specimenretrieval bag assembly according to claim 3 wherein the cinch tab isconfigured to slide atop the suture to lock the tissue specimen bag whencinched.
 8. A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly, comprising: atissue specimen bag including: an open proximal end having a cuffdefined therein and extending around a periphery thereof; a closeddistal end; a bag brim disposed within the cuff, the bag brim having across section configured to facilitate furling the tissue specimen bagaround the cuff by rotating the bag brim to approximate a tissuespecimen contained within the bag for morcellation, wherein the bag brimdefines at least one of a non-circular cross-sectional shape or atriangular cross-sectional shape; and a suture channel defined thereinnear the proximal end thereof, the suture channel defined around theperiphery of the tissue specimen bag and configured to house a suturetherein, wherein pulling the suture away from the tissue specimen bagcinches the tissue specimen bag to secure the tissue specimen therein.9. The tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly according to claim 8wherein the tissue specimen bag is made from at least one of nylon orpolyurethane.
 10. The tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly accordingto claim 8 further comprising a cinch tab operably engaged with at leastone end of the suture to facilitate cinching the tissue specimen bag.11. The tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly according to claim 10wherein the cinch tab includes a grommet defined therein configured tooperably engage the suture.
 12. The tissue specimen retrieval bagassembly according to claim 10 wherein the cinch tab includes a loopdefined therein configured to facilitate handling thereof.
 13. Thetissue specimen retrieval bag assembly according to claim 12 wherein theloop is configured and sized to accommodate a user's finger to enhanceleverage when cinching.
 14. The tissue specimen retrieval bag assemblyaccording to claim 10 wherein the cinch tab is configured to slide atopthe suture to lock the tissue specimen bag when cinched.
 15. A tissuespecimen retrieval bag assembly, comprising: a tissue specimen bagincluding: an open proximal end having a cuff defined therein andextending around a periphery thereof; a closed distal end; a bag brimdisposed within the cuff, the bag brim having a cross section configuredto facilitate furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself around the bagbrim by rotating the bag brim to approximate a tissue specimen containedwithin the bag for morcellation, wherein the bag brim defines atriangular cross-sectional shape; and a suture channel defined thereinnear the proximal end thereof, the suture channel defined around theperiphery of the tissue specimen bag and configured to house a suturetherein, wherein pulling the suture away from the tissue specimen bagcinches the tissue specimen bag to secure the tissue specimen therein.